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WHILE many jobseekers are struggling to find jobs across the Fraser Coast, one Maryborough woman has taken her employment into her own hands, creating her own jam-making business.

Cecilia Diaz worked in real estate for more than 15 years, until she had a change of heart and became a self-taught business woman.

Now the successful owner of CC's kitchen, a company that creates hand-made jams, jellies, relishes and chutneys, Ms Diaz is busier than she's ever been, and has now hired a friend to help her sell her products.

"I started the business about 15 months ago, and it's just skyrocketed since then," Ms Diaz said.

"When I started we only had four products, and now we have more than 50.

"We are in really high demand at the moment, and I think that's an important thing to look at when you're starting a business or branching out on your own.

"There needs to be demand."

Ms Diaz said support behind the product in the Fraser Coast was amazing.

"Everyone has been really supportive of the product," she said.

"About 75% of the people I see every week are repeat customers.

"So the business is doing really well."

The key to Ms Diaz's new business was creating products that people want.

"I make all of the products myself with local ingredients," Ms Diaz said.

"They are all preservative free, and made without added colours or flavours, and I think that is what people like about it."

Ms Diaz said starting her own business was one of the best career decisions she's ever made.